## Introduction to Moissanite

Moissanite is a rare, naturally occurring mineral that was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan. While examining rock samples from a meteor crater, Moissan came across small, transparent crystals that had a brilliance and hardness similar to diamonds. Through testing, he determined this was a new mineral compound made up of silicon carbide.

Moissanite is incredibly rare in nature, so almost all moissanite jewelry is created in laboratories. The process to make moissanite was developed in the late 1980s by C.R. Chatham, who figured out how to replicate the natural mineral. This allowed moissanite to be manufactured into gems and jewelry.

While chemically different from diamond, moissanite has comparable physical properties. Like diamond, moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it excellent for jewelry. It has incredible brilliance and fire, with more sparkle than a diamond. While not as widely known as other gemstones, moissanite is gaining popularity as an affordable, ethical alternative to diamond that has its own unique beauty and appeal.

## Moissanite vs Diamonds

Moissanite and diamonds share many similar properties, but also have some key differences.

### Hardness

The hardness of a gemstone refers to its resistance to scratching. Diamond is the hardest natural material on earth, rating 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Moissanite also scores very high on the scale, rating 9.25. This means moissanite is extremely durable and suitable for daily wear. While diamond edges out moissanite in hardness, moissanite is still harder than all other gemstones except diamond.

### Brilliance

Brilliance refers to how well a gemstone reflects light, creating that coveted sparkle. Diamond and moissanite both have exceptional brilliance thanks to their high refractive indexes. A diamond's refractive index ranges from 2.417 - 2.419, while moissanite has a slightly higher refractive index of 2.65 - 2.69. This means moissanite can sometimes appear even more brilliant and fiery than a diamond.

### Refractive Index

As mentioned above, the refractive index measures how much light is bent and dispersed when passing through a gemstone. The higher the refractive index, the more brilliance and "fire" a gemstone will display. Diamond and moissanite have very high refractive indexes compared to other gemstones, contributing to their vivid sparkle. So in summary, moissanite competes closely with diamond in terms of hardness, brilliance, and refractive index. It is an extremely durable and beautiful alternative to diamond that has its own unique properties and advantages.

## Advantages of Moissanite

Moissanite has several key advantages that make it an appealing alternative to traditional diamonds:

### Cost Savings

Moissanite is much more affordable than diamonds of equivalent size and quality. A 1 carat moissanite can cost 10% or less than a similar diamond, offering huge cost savings. This allows buyers to get a larger stone for the same budget. Moissanite is a lab-created stone, avoiding the high markups of the diamond industry.

### Ethical Sourcing

Diamond mining has historically had ethical issues with conflict diamonds and unsafe working conditions. Moissanite is created in labs, avoiding the human rights and environmental issues associated with diamond mining. This provides peace of mind that your jewelry is ethically sourced.

### Eco-Friendly

Moissanite production has a much lower environmental impact than diamond mining. Diamond mining disturbs large areas of land, while moissanite is made in controlled lab environments. Moissanite is also made from silicon carbide, which is abundant - avoiding diamond mining's depletion of natural resources. This makes moissanite an eco-friendly alternative.

## Disadvantages of Moissanite

The main disadvantage of moissanite is that it's not as rare, valuable, or prestigious as natural diamonds. While beautiful, moissanite is produced in laboratories which means it lacks the scarcity of diamonds that form naturally in the earth over billions of years. This also impacts the value, with moissanite costing about 10% the price of diamonds with similar physical properties. For some, the lower cost can be perceived as moissanite lacking the luxury status and cachet of diamond jewelry. The abundance of moissanite compared to natural diamonds is a plus for consumers from a pricing perspective. But it may be seen as a downside for those who equate expensiveness with exclusivity. Diamonds have traditionally been associated with wealth, affluence and prominence in society. Some feel moissanite does not convey the same level of importance and stature, since high quality stones can be produced efficiently. This matters most when selecting an engagement ring or other sentimental piece of jewelry where prestige can be a factor. While moissanite offers an affordable alternative to diamond, the lower price and mass production means it lacks the perceived value, rarity and social significance attached to diamonds in the minds of many consumers. This can be a disadvantage when giving fine jewelry as a gift or family heirloom expected to stand the test of time as a worthwhile investment. For these reasons, moissanite is not likely to fully replace natural diamonds anytime soon despite its visual similarity. However, it does offer an option for those focused foremost on beauty over brand status.

## Moissanite Jewelry Designs

Moissanite is available in a variety of cuts and settings that allow for beautiful and unique jewelry designs. Some of the most popular cuts for moissanite include:

• - Round Brilliant - This classic cut features 57 facets that maximize light return and sparkle. Round brilliant moissanite has incredible fire and brilliance.
• - Cushion - Cushion cut moissanite has a square shape with rounded corners and larger facets. This creates a unique look with beautiful sparkle.
• - Princess - The princess cut has a square shape with pointed corners. It showcases moissanite's brilliance with its geometric faceting.
• - Oval - Oval moissanite has an elongated rounded shape. Its larger facets produce flashes of color.
• - Emerald - This rectangular cut with stepped faceting results in a classic and elegant look.
• - Radiant - The radiant cut combines the elegance of an emerald with the brilliance of a round. Its trimmed corners create a stunning octagonal shape.

Moissanite can be set into a variety of classic and modern settings including solitaire, halo, three stone, side stone, vintage, and more. Solitaire settings highlight the stone with minimal metal. Halo settings surround the center stone with a frame of smaller stones. Three stone settings feature a center moissanite with two smaller stones on the sides. Side stone settings add accent stones along the band. Vintage settings have delicate metalwork and patterns. With its brilliance and affordability, moissanite allows for beautiful, unique designs in your choice of setting.

## Buying Moissanite Jewelry

Moissanite jewelry can be purchased from a variety of retailers, both online and in physical stores. Here are some of the main options for buying moissanite:

## Moissanite Jewelry Care

Taking proper care of your moissanite jewelry will help it last a lifetime while retaining its brilliance and fire. Here are some tips for cleaning, storing, and repairing moissanite jewelry:

### Cleaning Moissanite Jewelry

• - Use warm water with a mild soap and soft brush to gently scrub your moissanite jewelry. This will remove dirt, oils, and residue from everyday wear.
• - For a deeper clean, create a mix of warm water and ammonia-free jewelry cleaner or mild dish soap. Soak your moissanite jewelry for 5-10 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush.
• - Rinse your jewelry thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using paper towels as they can scratch moissanite.
• - For maximum sparkle, occasionally soak your moissanite in jewelry cleaner for 5-10 minutes and rinse. This will remove buildup on the stone and bring back its brilliant shine.

### Storing Moissanite Jewelry

• - Keep moissanite jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry box, padded pouch, or soft cloth when not wearing it. This protects from scratches.
• - Store pieces separately in divided compartments to avoid scratching or entanglement. - Moissanite is durable, but protect it from sharp blows or pressure that could chip the stone.
• - Avoid letting moissanite jewelry come into contact with harsh chemicals like chlorine, bleach, acids, or solvents that can damage the stone or settings.

### Repairing Moissanite Jewelry

- Take moissanite jewelry to a professional jeweler for any needed repairs on prongs, settings, or the band. Avoid do-it-yourself repairs.

- Moissanite is very hard, making it difficult to work with and requiring special tools. Most jewelry stores can examine issues and make repairs.

- Re-tipping prongs or re-setting stones in moissanite jewelry is usually an easy fix for jewelers familiar with the material.

- If stones fall out of a setting, keep them! A jeweler can typically replace the moissanite securely.

- For loose stones, rings can sometimes be re-sized or repaired to hold the stone more securely.

With proper care and occasional cleanings, your beautiful moissanite jewelry will maintain its brilliance and fire for many years to come. Taking it to a professional jeweler for occasional inspections and any repairs will help keep your pieces in flawless condition.

## Moissanite Engagement Rings

Moissanite engagement rings have become a popular alternative to traditional diamond rings due to their brilliance, durability, and affordability. Here's what you need to know about moissanite engagement rings:

### Durability

Moissanite is incredibly durable, ranking just below diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness. With a rating of 9.25 out of 10, moissanite can withstand daily wear without showing signs of damage. The durability makes moissanite ideal for engagement rings and other jewelry meant for everyday wear.

### Styles

Moissanite engagement rings come in a variety of styles, from solitaires to halo settings to vintage and modern designs. Since moissanite has exceptional brilliance and fire, it works beautifully in all ring styles. Certain cuts like the round brilliant and princess cut maximize moissanite's sparkle. With custom design options, you can create a one-of-a-kind moissanite engagement ring.

### Cost

High quality moissanite costs about 10% of what you would pay for a comparable diamond. For example, a 1 carat moissanite ring may cost around $600 while a diamond would be over $5,000. Since moissanite is not mined, it avoids the supply constraints, inflated pricing, and ethical concerns of the diamond industry. With a moissanite ring, you can get exceptional beauty and quality at a fraction of the cost.

So if you're looking for a stunning and durable engagement ring on a budget, moissanite is an excellent choice. You can get the brilliance and fire of a diamond for much less. With increased options and quality, moissanite rings are becoming a popular alternative for modern brides and grooms.

## Our Moissanite Jewelry Collection

Our collection features stunning moissanite jewelry that rivals traditional diamond designs. We handpick each piece to showcase the brilliance and fire of moissanite.

### Featured Items

• - Classic Round Moissanite Solitaire - This timeless 1 carat round moissanite solitaire ring has an elegantly simple design that maximizes the stone's sparkle. With an excellent cut grade, this moissanite rivals diamonds at a fraction of the cost.
• - Vintage Halo Moissanite Ring - For a vintage feel, this cushion-cut moissanite is framed by a halo of round stones in an antiqued setting. The 3/4 carat center stone has warm hints of color that give this ring old-world charm.
• - Three-Stone Moissanite Earrings - Showcasing three emerald-cut moissanite stones, these stud earrings have lots of presence. At just under 1/2 carat each, the stones make a bold yet elegant statement.

## 50% Off Promotion

Right now we're offering 50% off all moissanite jewelry purchases on our website! Take advantage of this limited time deal to get high quality moissanite pieces for an amazing price.

The 50% off promotion runs now through the end of 2024, so don't miss out!

Some terms and conditions apply: - The 50% Sale applies to all moissanite jewelry items only. It cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. - The sale price is the base cost. 

Take advantage of this limited time offer to get beautiful moissanite pieces for your loved one or yourself! Our high quality moissanite rivals diamonds in brilliance and fire, but at a fraction of the cost. With this 50% off Sale, you can get stunning moissanite even more affordably so, shop now!